Harrogate Town boss upset with rogue midfielder Cecil Nyoni

Ed White

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver has criticised Cecil Nyoni for disrespecting the club and supporters by failing to show up.

Nyoni was absent from Town’s 4-2 defeat to Chorley on Bank Holiday Monday and also missed the win over Stockport County on Boxing Day.

NADV 1512083AM1 Harrogate Town V Barnoldswick. (1512083AM1)

Weaver claimed the 23-year-old has not made contact with the club since the 1-0 win over Brackley Town on December 19.

The Zimbabwean midfielder was not involved in the victory and had a lengthy discussion with Weaver after the match.

Bradford Park Avenue are understood to be interested in signing the player but no offer has been formally made.

Weaver said: “Since the last home game, he hasn’t made a training session. He’s been notified of every training session and every game. Previous to the last game, he informed John McDermott that he was seeking a move elsewhere.

“We expected a call from another club but we haven’t had one.

“You have to expect your players to have respect for the fans and the club to turn up on each matchday and training session. Unfortunately he has not spoken to myself or John McDermott since.

“So who knows what’s going off in his head?”

Nyoni, a former Sheffield Wednesday youngster, soon became a fans’ favourite for Town after signing from Goole AFC 12 months ago.

He was part of the revival which steered Town clear of the relegation zone last season before starting the opening 11 games this year.

However, Lloyd Kerry and Paul Thirlwell has been selected in his place in recent matches.

Weaver was upset by the player’s reaction after spending time helping the player through on and off the field problems and said he had breached his contract.

He said: “We have tried to coach him through some of his problems, so it’s a real shame. He’s a talented player and we wanted it to work out.

“He’s obviously frustrated Lloyd is ahead of him at the moment but I have to be consistent and Lloyd is playing well at the moment.”